SHAVINGTON residents have launched a campaign to halt roadworks they claim will make their lives a misery.

SHAVINGTON residents have launched a campaign to halt roadworks they claim will make their lives a misery.

Families living near Rope Lane bridge, which crosses from Eastern Lane to Gresty Lane, are calling for workmen to down tools.

They believe work to install traffic lights on the bridge, allowing cars to cross from one direction at a time, will cause traffic chaos.

Angry residents and councillors gathered at the controversial crossing on Friday in a show of solidarity against the plans.

Spencer Clarkson, who lives in Rope Lane, said making the bridge single-file will be bad news for drivers and residents alike.

He said: 'It is a ridiculous idea. The bridge has been open to two lanes of traffic for as long as I can remember without any problems, and all this will do is cause major tailbacks.

'Already cars are queuing for as far as the eye can see at rush hour and people are having to wait ages just to get to their homes.'

Mr Clarkson also claims plans to make the bridge single file were sneaked through without consultation, leaving residents in the dark.

'We all thought that the traffic lights up at the moment were temporary while bridge repair work goes on,' he said.

'But it turns out there will be permanent lights put up in their place. Not once were we asked for our thoughts on the idea.'

Residents have been calling on the area's councillors and Crewe and Nantwich MP Gwyneth Dunwoody to get the work stopped.

Cllr Margaret Simon said she was surprised and disappointed when she learned the bridge was to be made single file.

'I had been told that the scheme was to be free flowing for Rope Lane and that the side roads would cut in when required,' she said.

Cllr Michael Kinsey added: 'I am dismayed by this news and very concerned that neither myself or Margaret as borough representatives, nor residents affected, have been kept informed of the changes by the agencies involved.'

The scheme is being carried out by the Government's Highways Agency as the final part of the Shavington Bypass works.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: 'There have been calls for safety action at this junction for many years and this message came out loud and clear during a public meeting on the bypass.

'Cheshire County Council was keen for the work to go ahead as soon as possible. It could cause delays, but safety has to be the priority.'